There's about to be a huge bidding war for the James Bond movie distribution rights

Audiences around the world aren't the only ones excited to see
the new James Bond movie. Studios in Hollywood are chomping at
the bit for the movie to start its theatrical run.

That's because, after the release of "Spectre" in the US on
November 6, the movie series' contract with Sony ends.

Sony could get it back, but a franchise about to release its 24th
film and which has grossed over $4 billion worldwide since
the 1960s is a very attractive property for any studio.

Deadline is reporting that Warner Bros., Fox, Universal, and
Paramount are all interested in being the new home 0f 007, with
WB being the most aggressive of the bunch.
And the Broccoli family that owns
the James Bond movie rights is apparently making it clear to
studios that it will be open to deals.

The franchise was originally produced and released by United
Artists, which was bought by MGM in the 1980s, then Sony began
releasing the Bond titles staring with 2006's "Casino Royale"
(co-financed by MGM).

Things are still in the negotiation phase. Deadline points
out that sources say the gatekeepers of the Bond franchise will
wait until "Spectre" plays around the world and makes heaps of
money before signing a deal, thereby strengthening their
leverage.

MGM, which is emerging from its 2010 bankruptcy, could take on
the franchise alone. But more likely is that
the Broccoli family resigns with Sony or goes to
another studio.

Deadline notes that WB could be a good home as it already teamed
with MGM on "The Hobbit," another franchise that racked up
profits around the world.